Making music at the beer festival
Terry has spent the last 26 years tracking down acts and refining the programme to provide Derby drinkers with not only beers but a range of musical atmospheres. Genres range from laid-back lounge lizard jazz on a Thursday or Friday lunchtime to the lively get-up-and-dance tunes lined up for Friday and Saturday evenings.
"It's a case of choosing the right acts for the right slots," said Terry. "People want different things. There are those who want to relax quietly, chat and savour the beer, and then there are others who want a lively time with lots of dancing and singing."
Through the years Terry has developed a good balance. The event is always popular with Derby drinkers both for its excellent range of beers and the quality of its entertainment, helping to make it one of the more popular beer festivals.
"Many of the musicians are local, plus there is usually a mix of old favourites who have played the event several times and new acts to keep the event fresh and diverse," says Terry.
This year's event kicks off tonight with two contrasting styles of music – folk and swing.
The Ockbrook Big Band will feature all the classic sounds from the Glenn Miller era, including the music of Woody Herman and Cole Porter, while Ripley Morris Men will be offering a folksy flavour.
Terry says: "Wednesday is one of the quieter nights of the festival and caters for the older generation, with free admission for the over 60s."
The atmosphere is likely to hot up tomorrow evening, when lovers of hard rock can enjoy the high-energy sounds of Thin Lizzie tribute band, Limehouse Lizzie – featuring Wayne Ellis.
Two lively evenings are also scheduled for the weekend with performances by 13-piece soul band The Wam-Bam Band on Friday and Blues Brothers tribute band Jake and Elwood on Saturday evening.
Joliet Jake Blues from South Normanton – who changed his name for the sake of his art – has been performing Blues Brothers numbers since 1989, appearing in festivals all over Europe.
He said: "Our set includes the classic songs from the film and albums plus other Motown favourites. I can guarantee the audience will be dancing before the end of the night."
Anthony Jones of The Bo Dudleys – who fill the Sunday lunchtime slot – has also promised drinkers a fun-packed time. The band will be replacing Three Wheel Drive following the death of Jeff Nadin.
The Bo Dudleys perform fast-paced rock 'n' roll, rock and boogie-woogie, and pride themselves on their showmanship. Anthony will be playing the piano with his feet during one Jerry Lee Lewis number.
Other musical tastes will be catered for by Fantasia with their gypsy jazz; Loscoe State Opera; Tony B; and the Johnny Johnstone Jazz Combo.
Terry is also delighted to welcome Derby-based Ukranian dance ensemble Hoverla for their first festival appearance.
DERBY CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL
WHERE: Derby Assembly Rooms.
WHEN: From today, 6.30pm-11pm. The festival runs until Sunday, times vary.
TICKETS: Prices vary.
BOX OFFICE: Visit www.derbycamra.org.uk.
Comment on this story